ADAM BOYD will be monitored this morning after making a scoring return to action for Hartlepool United, writes Paul Fraser.

The highly-rated striker, who has not played since September 3 with a serious knee injury, scored from the penalty spot for Pool reserves in a comfortable 6-2 win over Hull City.

Boyd, targeted by Luton Town this month, has been sorely missed this season as Martin Scott's side have plummeted towards the wrong end of the League One table.

However, the 22-year-old returned to action with a bang yesterday against the Tigers before being replaced at half-time.

Pool's assistant boss Steve Agnew said last night: "Adam played the entire first half - as was always the plan - and he will be pleased to get the goal from the penalty. We'll assess him again in the morning and see where we go from there."

Despite Boyd's return to fitness he is unlikely to be risked when Blackpool visit Victoria Park on Saturday.

The same can be said of his strike partner last season, Joel Porter, who missed yesterday's encounter with the groin problem that has kept him out of training in recent days.

As well as Boyd scoring from the spot against Hull, after Robbie Stockdale had handled a Michael Maidens shot on the line, young forward David Foley also scored a hat-trick.

Lee Bullock and Michael Proctor also scored as Pool proved they can show a ruthless streak in attack.

Pool: Winter; D Williams, Low, S Turnbull, N Wilkinson; Maidens, Clarke, Bullock, Proctor; Boyd, Foley. Subs: Davison, J Wilkinson, Appleby, White, Robinson.

Read more about Hartlepool here.